Homegrown Sounds at Roxbury Arts Group

By Jenny Neal

Last Saturday August 16, The Roxbury Arts Group hosted a fundraising benefit billed as “Homegrown Sounds: a festival of sound on a single stage, paired with local eats and treats." The event, emceed by Ted Hannan and Zamyra, featured performances by Dani Epstein, Jeff Entin & Scott Blum, Walter Dominicis & His Cuban Blues, Lali and the Pops, Marilyn Kirby, Sue’s Garage, Whiskey Lily and William Duke.

Ted Hannan has been a board member of the Roxbury Arts Group for about four years. “I have a background in theatre, which is my first love. I have always been interested in cultural work as an actor and serving the communities in which I live."

Ted said the idea for the fundraiser came about in brainstorming sessions in the Fundraising Committee. “We did one benefit over the summer that was quite successful,” says Ted, ”so we thought some kind of musical event would be good. I was wondering: how do we get more people to come to these events from different generations and backgrounds? How do we grow our audience? Getting a dynamic younger member of the community involved up front would be really good."

Zamyra, a popular local radio DJ and voice-over artist, works close by the Roxbury Arts Center, and so Ted Hannan “popped in one day and took me aside and asked me to emcee the event."

“I’ve been impressed with Zamyra for years from when I first met her,” says Ted. “She’s got a big wonderful spirit and is a good communicator.”

Zamyra also scouted the local talent. “I really wanted to show the community what talent there is here. I first saw Marilyn Kirby at an open mic night at the Arkville Bowl and she has an amazing stage presence."

There was a relaxed, easy camaraderie at the event, among the audience and the performers. Many performers sat and enjoyed the show before and after their set. The scene was a sea of smiling faces on a gorgeous sunny day.

An alfresco cafe was set up in the parking lot with a grill, and other food and drinks served buffet style. Musicians hung out at tables chatting and catching up during the sound check. Dorothy Blum from Sue’s Garage said: “we are thrilled to give back to the Roxbury Arts Group."

Jim Rauter, member of Lali and the Pops, who was sitting on a wall by the front entrance for a few minutes enjoying a bit of shade, and greeting friends before the show, said: “it’s an all-local line-up and I’m honored to be part of it."

Asked who he thinks is a stand-out musician, he said: “Well, I think the true headliner is Dani Epstein. She sings like nobody’s business. Another stand-out is Jeff Entin who is an extraordinary guitarist." Dani Epstein’s set was truly electric. She sang her heart out, but all the performers were fantastic.

Jim noted: “For a small region like the Catskills, it’s amazing how much art, music - and other related endeavors - can be found around here.”